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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A 20-year veteran of the Utah National Guard has been arrested and jailed after being snagged in an Internet sexual predator sting by a state task force.
Utah attorney general's office law enforcement chief Ken Wallentine says Sgt. 1st Class Craig Dowen arranged a meeting with an officer posing as a 13-year-old girl during an online chat.
Dowen was arrested and booked into to jail Friday for investigation of enticing a minor over the Internet. Bail is set at $50,000.
A search of Dowen's home also uncovered a sophisticated marijuana growing operation in the basement.
Dowen's National Guard colleagues say they are shocked by the arrest.
Guard spokesman Maj. Hank McIntire says Dowen was the Guard's chief marketing specialist. He was considered a model soldier.
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
